Temperature Control Head Covering and System

ABSTRACT

A temperature control head covering and system provides for a knit cap, a knit cap with flap, a headband and other elements that provide for one or more temperature controlling elements disposed on the head covering&#39;s interior, such as but not limited to a removable or built-in temperature control pack such as an ice pack or heat pack area contained within an inside pocket within an inside liner disposed on the inside of the head covering. The present invention&#39;s inside pocket may be configured to permanently or removeably hold a temperature control pack. In some embodiments, the present invention&#39;s inside pocket may run the full length or perimeter of the hats, or in other embodiments can be limited to a particular size or placement so as to focus on an affected or specific area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/489,120 filed on Apr. 24, 2017, the disclosure of which, including any materials incorporated by reference therein, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to head coverings. More particularly, the present invention concerns a temperature control head covering and system.

BACKGROUND

Many persons will want to apply either heat or cold, or one sequentially after the other, to their head at some point in their life. This could be due to cranium discomfort caused by trauma or an internal imbalance, or it could be due to a person craving the soothing effect that a properly applied source of heat or cold can have on a person' head. Unfortunately, applying heat or cold to the head of one's self or another generally requires effort to hold the heat or cold source in place. Needless to say, such effort is generally supplied by a person holding the heat or cold source in place. Sometimes, however, persons go to great lengths to bandage a heat or cold source onto a head. What is needed is a convenient way to apply heat or cold to a head without either having to manually hold the heat or cold source or to wrap the head in unsightly and cumbersome bandages.

Attempts have been made, although unsuccessfully, to solve this problem. One illustrative attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0303699 A1 which generally discloses a hat lined on its inside by a thermal conductive substance. While this disclosure does generally provide for a hat having heat or cold dispersion properties, this disclosure fails to provide any specificity with which the soothing elements may be dispersed, such as removably locating the heating or cooling item in a hat's liner.

Another attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,363, which generally discloses a hat having a compartment that can removably accept a cooling, or presumably a heating, element. While this disclosure does generally provide for removable temperature adjusting elements, it fails to provide such elements at the brow or otherwise in a hat's liner.

As can be seen, various attempts have been made to solve the problems which may be found in the related art but have been unsuccessful. A need exists for a new temperature control head covering and system, such as but not limited to, a knit cap, headband, and knit cap with flap system collectively configured to removably contain an ice pack or heat pack area in its liner to avoid the challenges and problems with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that in the present disclosure, all embodiments are provided as illustrative and non-limiting representatives of many possible embodiments. In addition, the terms “is,” “can,” “will,” and the like are herein used as synonyms for and interchangeable with terms such as “may,” “may provide for,” and “it is contemplated that the present invention may” and so forth.

Furthermore, all elements listed by name, such as a knit cap, hat, stocking cap, liner, cold pack, hot pack, and so forth are herein meant to include or encompass all equivalents for such elements. For example, in addition to a “knit cap”, any is also contemplated by the present invention. Such equivalents are contemplated for each element named in its particular herein.

For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention are provided herein. It is to be understood that not all such aspects, advantages, or novel features may be provided in any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one aspect, advantage, or novel feature or group of features without achieving all aspects, advantages, or novel features as may be taught or suggested.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known art, the present invention relates to a hat having a temperature control liner that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. The general purpose of the present invention, which shall be described subsequently in greater detail, is to allow a user to apply either heat or cold to the user's head in a convenient and discreet manner without having to manually hold the temperature control pack to the user's head.

The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. By way of non-limiting example, the present invention provides a novel solution for increasing, lowering, or maintaining the temperature of the skin on a user's head. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

The present invention comprises a knit cap, a knit cap with flap, a headband and other elements that provide for one or more temperature controlling elements disposed on the head covering's interior, such as but not limited to a removable or built-in temperature control pack such as an ice pack or heat pack area contained within an inside pocket within an inside liner disposed on the inside of the head covering. The present invention's inside pocket may be configured to permanently or removeably hold a temperature control pack. In some embodiments, the present invention's inside pocket may run the full length or perimeter of the hats, or in other embodiments can be limited to a particular size or placement so as to focus on an affected or specific area. Additionally, in some embodiments, the present invention may be configured in such a way as to enable the present invention to be a convenient way to apply an ice compress or heat compress in the event of injury to relieve pain, swelling and inflammation, over-heating, or fever. On a cold day it can be used to warm the head area and on a hot day it can be used to cool the head area.

In some embodiments, the present invention may be configured to fit individuals ranging in size from small children to adults. The present invention can be used on adults or children who hurt themselves, and it is contemplated that in some embodiments it can also be very beneficial to those engaged in sporting activities when a head injury occurs or to prevent overheating. The present invention may also be configured to assist in industries such as first aid, construction, schools, hospitals, professional sports agencies, doctors and health professionals, homeless-assistance, laborers, medical suppliers, equipment services, retail sales etc. The present invention, in these and other embodiments, may be configured to allow individuals to discreetly and effectively apply ice/heat compresses without the trouble of holding it in place, which will allow multitasking.

Moreover, in some embodiments, in order to use the invention a user may simply place a compress inside of the present invention's inside pocket on the hat or headband and wear on desired area conveniently. It is contemplated that in so doing, the present invention will solve issues such as the inconvenience of the typical ice pack that does not allow for hands free application via the present invention's pocket that holds the compress.

In some embodiments, the present invention's inner-band design may be compatible in any season and with any other form of headgear, such as by way of illustration and not limitation, a sunhat, visor, baseball cap, bonnet, cowboy hat, skull cap, beanie, sweatband, or headband. Any of these or any head covering may substitute for a “knit cap,” “knit cap with flap,” or “headband.”

The unique features of this product may provide one or more benefits for consumers including that it may allow individuals to wear these compresses without the trouble of holding it on the head and in a hands-free manner, it may also provide conventional temperature relief, and it may provide a modern solution with a modern look.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, while the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in terms of the components and configurations, it is understood to that the invention is not intended to be limited to those specific dimensions or configurations but is to be accorded the full breadth and scope of the spirit of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures where:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a temperature control head covering and system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of a temperature control head covering and system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of a temperature control head covering and system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a top-front perspective view of a temperature control head covering and system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of a temperature control head covering and system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a new and more effective temperature control head covering and system.

All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown in these Figures are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, the actual dimensions and proportions of any embodiment or element of an embodiment disclosed in this disclosure will be determined by its intended use.

It is to be understood that the drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate potential embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. In addition, the first digit of each reference number indicates the figure where the element first appears.

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Well-known features, elements or techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments.

Turning attention to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a temperature control head covering and system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive temperature control head covering and system 100, knit cap 101, knit cap with flap 102, and headband 103.

The shape of all hats and caps discussed herein, such as but not limited to knit cap 101, knit cap with flap 102, and headband 103, may be of any known in the art, including such variations as balaclavas, baseball hats, cowboy hats, driver cap, hunter cap with ear flaps, breathing masks, goggles, graduation caps, visors, and so forth. Any type of head covering having a band of any type is contemplated herein.

In some embodiments, the hats and caps discussed herein, such as but not limited to knit cap 101, knit cap with flap 102, and headband 103, may be known as “temperature control head coverings.” Moreover, in some embodiments, a knit cap may be described as fabric sewn into a band and wherein a bowl-shaped fabric extension may have a rim and wherein the rim of the fabric may be sewn onto the entirety of the band top side. A knit cap with flap, therefore, may be a hat as described plus at least one flap disposed on the bottom band side. The width, size, thickness, of the “band” as used herein may vary greatly depending on the configuration of the present invention. In some embodiments, no visual or physical indication may delineate a priori where the “band” ends and the “fabric extension” begins. Any shape besides bowl-shape, such as a cylinder or sphere shape, is also contemplated for the “fabric extension.” Moreover, in some embodiments, the one or more flaps may attach anywhere on the band or the fabric extension. In some embodiments, the “band” as such may be missing entirely and a one-piece fabric extension may have a “band” portion and an “extension” portion.

Knit cap 101 may be of any type known in the art, whether tapered at the top, stitched together from one or more panels, elongated, truncated, or of any other shape. Moreover, it is contemplated that knit cap 101 may be made of cotton, but any fiber used in knit caps 101 is contemplated as well, such as but not limited to other natural fibers such as wool or silk, synthetic fibers such as polyester, semi-synthetic fibers such as nylon or rayon, processed natural fibers such as hemp or bamboo-based knit caps 101 and so forth.

With respect to FIG. 2, a front perspective view of a temperature control head covering and system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive hidden temperature control liner 201 as well as knit cap 101.

Hidden temperature control liner 201 is indicated in FIG. 2 and elsewhere as generally the thick band area on the inside of the hat in question, which in FIG. 2 is knit cap 101. As may be seen elsewhere herein, the interior of a cap such as knit cap 101 may have one or more temperature control areas within the hidden temperature control liner 201. While in FIG. 2, the indication for hidden temperature control liner 201 is at the front of knit cap 101, those of skill in the art will recognize that any location within hidden temperature control liner 201 or even anywhere within knit cap 101 would be a suitable place for a temperature control area to be disposed, depending on the part of the cranium seeking to be targeted. Moreover, hidden temperature control liner 201 may be of any size or configuration within any element of the present invention, such as but not limited to knit cap 101, knit cap with flap 102, and headband 103. For example, hidden temperature control liner 201 may be disposed on the inside of a band portion of any of knit cap 101, knit cap with flap 102, and headband 103, in the walls of knit cap 101 and knit cap with flap 102, or at the top of knit cap 101, knit cap with flap 102. Or in other embodiments having different configurations, such as a balaclava, hidden temperature control liner 201 may be elsewhere on the interior, for example on the interior of the face portion. In some embodiments, more than one hidden temperature control liner 201 may be provided. In embodiments wherein more than one hidden temperature control liner 201 is provided each hidden temperature control liner 201 may be of any size and orientation.

With regards to FIG. 3, a front perspective view of a temperature control head covering and system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive knit cap with flap 102 and hidden temperature control liner 201.

Knit cap with flap 102 may also provide, as discussed above, for any location of hidden temperature control liner 201 within the interior of knit cap with flap 102. Knit cap with flap 102 provides more opportunities for placement of hidden temperature control liner 201. For example, hidden temperature control liner 201 may in some embodiments be located within the flap of knit cap with flap 102 and may therefore be flipped up or down as the user may desire. Moreover, in embodiments where knit cap with flap 102 may be shaped as a hunter cap or another hat that has ear-covering flaps, one or more hidden temperature control liner 201 may be placed in one or more flaps.

Turning attention to FIG. 4, a top-front perspective view of a temperature control head covering and system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive temperature control pocket 401 and temperature control liner 402, as well as knit cap 101, knit cap with flap 102, and headband 103.

Temperature control pocket 401 may, in some embodiments, comprise a “built-in” or sewn-in element that contains one or more temperature controlling elements such as a temperature control pack (not shown). Non-limiting examples of temperature control packs include ice packs, warmers or warming packets, or even elements capable of absorbing temperature-treated water, such as a washcloth.

For example, in a built-in configuration of temperature control pocket 401, one or more ice packs could be located within temperature control pocket 401. At room temperature, the contents of temperature control pocket 401 may, in such embodiments, be a liquid, but when chilled to freezing, such as in a freezer, may harden into an ice pack and be used for its heat-absorbing (chilling) properties. Or, the reverse could be true: a microwavable pack within temperature control pocket 401 may be room temperature at room temperature, but may heat up upon exposure to microwaves, whereupon it could be used as a heat source.

In other embodiments, temperature control pocket 401 may contain a removable temperature control pack. In such embodiments, a user may manipulate the temperature control pack to change its temperature, such as microwaving it, boiling it, freezing it, and so forth, then insert it into temperature control pocket 401, and then apply the entire product, such as but not limited to one or more of knit cap 101, knit cap with flap 102, or headband 103 having one or more temperature control pockets 401 containing the changed or manipulated temperature control pack and administer the knit cap 101, knit cap with flap 102, or headband 103 to the head of a user.

With respect to FIG. 5, a front perspective view of a temperature control head covering and system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is disclosed. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive headband 103 and hidden temperature control liner 201.

Any headband 103 is contemplated, such as a thicker headband or a thinner headband than generally depicted in FIG. 5. Moreover, any head-encircling element is contemplated as a headband 103, such as but not limited to goggle straps, straps around a facemask, a blindfold, a warrior-style bandana, and so forth.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Although the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example and that other versions are possible. As various changes could be made in the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be illustrative and not used in a limiting sense. The spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained in this disclosure.

All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112.

While the present invention generally described herein has been disclosed in connection with a number of embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A temperature control system, comprising: at least one knit cap, comprising: at least one first fabric sewn into a bowl shape; a knit cap inside side; at least one knit cap temperature control liner disposed on the knit cap inside side; at least one knit cap temperature control pocket disposed on the at least one temperature control liner; and at least one temperature control packet disposed within the at least one knit cap temperature control pocket; at least one knit cap with flap, comprising: at least one second fabric sewn into a bowl shape having at least one flap; a knit cap with flap inside side; at least one knit cap with flap temperature control liner disposed on the knit cap with flap inside side; at least one knit cap with flap temperature control pocket disposed on the at least one knit cap with flap temperature control liner; and at least one temperature control packet disposed within the at least one knit cap with flap temperature control pocket; and at least one headband, comprising: at least one third fabric sewn into a band shape; a headband inside side; at least one headband temperature control liner disposed on the headband inside side; and at least one temperature control pocket disposed on the at least one headband temperature control liner.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature control packet is permanently disposed within the at least one knit cap temperature control pocket.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature control packet is removably disposed within the at least one knit cap temperature control pocket.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature control packet is permanently disposed within the at least one knit cap with flap temperature control pocket.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature control packet is removably disposed within the at least one knit cap with flap temperature control pocket.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature control packet is permanently disposed within the at least one headband temperature control pocket.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature control packet is removably disposed within the at least one headband temperature control pocket.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the knit cap is a balaclava.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one headband is configured to fit inside the at least one knit cap.
 10. A temperature control head covering, comprising: at least one head covering, comprising: at least one first fabric sewn into a band shape, wherein the first fabric has a band inner side, a band outer side, a band top side and a band bottom side; at least one temperature control liner disposed on the band inside side; at least one temperature control pocket disposed on the at least one temperature control liner; and at least one temperature control packet disposed within the at least one temperature control pocket.
 11. The temperature control head covering of claim 10, further comprising a bowl-shaped fabric extension, wherein a rim of the fabric is sewn onto the entirety of the band top side.
 12. The temperature control head covering of claim 11, further comprising at least one flap disposed on the bottom band side.
 13. The temperature control head covering of claim 10, wherein the at least one head covering is an adjustable band configured to attach an object to a face.
 14. The temperature control head covering of claim 10, wherein the at least one temperature control packet is permanently disposed within the at least one temperature control pocket.
 15. The temperature control head covering of claim 10, wherein the at least one temperature control packet is removably disposed within the at least one temperature control pocket. 